PATS Issue?

[toadboy]

Hey Guys, I think I'm beating a dead horse here? I have a 99 3.0 4x4 Auto standard cab Ranger that is used as a secondary farm/fishing vehicle. I had let it sit a bit too long and the battery drained. I charged the battery, and the truck refuses to start. No starter engagement what so ever. Theft light flashed for about 30 seconds after I put the key in the ignition. I'm hearing a relay under the dash clicking (similar to turn signal relay sound) after I attempt to start the truck? Sort of a dull tick tock? The theft light does not stay on. The dash lights up as usual upon turning the key, all other dash lights seem to be working normally? I tried disconnecting the battery for about an hour. I tried turning the ignition to run and letting the vehicle sit for 11 minutes in an attempt to let the PATs re-learn the key. I have 3 keys and all 3 do the same thing. Battery is hot; 13+ volts. I think its the PATs module, and I might have to go to the stealership for the correction? Not what I want to do, but if someone doesn't come up with a possible fix, I am going to have to drag it to the dealer.

 

[Uncle Gump]

If it were a PATS issue... the engine would still crank but get no fuel to run. It sounds more like you are having battery cable/connection issues. This very symptom has come up here before. I recommend you google voltage drop testing... then take that knowledge to the truck and see if you can isolate the resistance in the starter circuit. I have also found that sometime the starter brushes... after sitting to long... will corrode and not make good contact. With someone in the vehicle turning the key to the crank position... someone else gives the starter body a couple of firm raps with a hammer. That could be enough to make brush contact and the starter begins to work.

 

[fastpakr]

Theft light flashing like that is definitely a PATS issue. I'm not sure the troubleshooting process though. There's a receiver by the key that's supposed to pick up the signal from the key for the PATS module to confirm. The module then signals the computer that the checks have been completed and the computer allows the engine to run.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I thought the engine would crank... just not enable fuel unless the encoded key was recognized.

Perhaps i better have another look and refresh my memory.

 

[fastpakr]

I think the implementation varies a bit year to year. Some years it's a fuel cut only, others it won't even crank. Regardless, the flashing light is a dead giveaway.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I guess I read the flashing light as a one time event after a fresh battery was installed after sitting for an extended period.

So I should ask... does the theft light flash every time you attempt to start the vehicle?

 

[Dirtman]

Mine will do nothing if the pats system gets angry. It cuts the starter, fuel injectors, and spark.

Lets ask the million dollar question though.... are you sure the battery actually took a charge and still functions? Car batteries get damaged by being totally discharged...

 

[toadboy]

Thanks for the info, and I have double checked the battery charge. There is only minimal amperage draw when the key is turned. I think I might leave the key in the on position and jump the solenoid to verify the starter still works? The theft light blinks every time attempt to start. But it stops blinking after a few seconds. Think I'm buggered and heading to the dealer...